Dec 2, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (23) during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
According to Indianapolis Colts beat writer Mike Chappell, the Indianapolis Colts have made re-signing cornerback Vontae Davis a priority this coming offseason. Indianapolis has quite a few decisions to make in free agency, but this one seems to have already been made. Davis played his best season of football this past season, and took major steps forward towards being the shutdown corner that the Colts see him becoming.
As of right now, the Colts will have over $35 million in cap space to spend this offseason if they choose to do so. There have been no figures thrown around about how much money Davis would be asking for in a new deal, but he will likely get a fairly large amount. Davis has said that he would like to re-sign with the Colts, and the interest is obviously mutual.
"“Any cover corner is high in the pecking order. Vontae is a heck of a player. He can be as good as he wants to be. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be in the Pro Bowl every year.” – Ryan Grigson, Colts GM"
The Colts have other high profile free agents this offseason as well, including fellow defensive back Antoine Bethea. Indianapolis needs as much help as they can get in the secondary, so don’t be surprised if the Colts lock up both Davis and Bethea long-term. Davis was much safer in coverage this past season and wasn’t beat deep nearly as much as he was in his first season with the Colts.
Free agency is just around the corner, and Vontae Davis will likely receive quite a bit of interest on the open market if the Colts don’t get something done early on. Don’t be surprised if the Colts offer him a deal right off the bat and get him locked up without taking any kind of chances. If you’re a betting person, don’t be hesitant to bet that Davis will re-sign with the Colts on a long-term contract.
Evan Massey is an Editor for Naptown’s Finest. Follow Evan on Twitter at @Massey_Evan.